(March 24, 2006) -- Two candidates -- Becky Blair and Bry Myown -- sprang to an early lead in fundraising in the closely-watched winner-take-all June special election for the 2d district Council seat vacated Feb. 7 by Dan Baker.

Downtown commercial realtor Blair's campaign has eclipsed all others, amassing nearly $50,000 since she announced her candidacy barely three weeks earlier on February 28. Her early contributions read like a who's who of LB's establishment, including LB Harbor Commissioners James C. Hankla and John Hancock, former Harbor Commissioners Roy Hearrean and Alex Bellehuemeur; former Grand Prix mastermind Chris Pook (retained by City Hall to build LB Sea Festival into major summertime events) and the LB Police Officers Ass'n. The LBPOA contributed the Prop M PAC maiximum of $2,500.

In an emailed campaign release, Ms. Blair said, "I'm overwhelmed at the outpouring of support over the last few weeks. Business people, local residents, and many others have been very encouraging about my campaign for the Second District City Council seat, and have stepped up financially." She continued, "We've put together a very strong team and I'm looking forward to discussing the crucial issues such as public safety, downtown redevelopment, and neighborhood needs like streets, parks, and housing that are facing the Second District and the entire City," adding "We need to carefully balance the needs of or neighborhoods with smart, successful growth." Ms. Blair's campaign release cites her involvement in groups including Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown LB Associates.